Name: John Adams Birth: October 30, 1735 Death: July 4, 1826 Term: March 4, 1797 to March 3, 1801 Party: Federalist Vice President: Thomas Jefferson
Thesis B-
As the second President of the United States, John Adams deserves a rating of B-. In his term of office, he accomplished his goal of improving the relationship between the United States and France. He did so by avoiding war; which seemed inevitable at the time. Also the peace treaty, Convention of Paris, put the two nations in a great position to be suitable trading partners. Adams and his Federalist party, believed in military strength. Adams built up every aspect of the military. This took a toll on the nation's treasury, so he imposed a stamp and house tax. This unfavorable tax lead to the Fries Rebellion. The passing into law of the Alien and Sedition Acts were not well accepted by the public. Although he had some controversial policies, Adams accomplished his goals which were beneficial to the growth of the United States.
Goals
The goals for his administration. President Adams wanted to improve and strengthen the relationship of the United States and France. The French government felt that the United States might join forces and with England or support England. Adams wanted to continue President Washington's policy of the United States not interfering with French-British affairs. Another goal for his adminstration was the strengthening of the military. Adams commissioned six new ships to be built for the navy's fleet. Also, the United States army increased its numbers.
Relationship to Congress
President John Adams viewed the Congress and Senate as being corrupted. He felt that the executive branch of government should have the most power. Because he believed the legislative branch to be corrupt, Adams did not work with this branch as closely as he should have. President Adams made more decisions independantly. When Adams took his office, he kept most of Washington's cabinet and adminstration. These cabinet members did not favor the beliefs of the President and opposed him many times. Jefferson, his vice-president, was a Democratic-Republican and not a Federalist like Adams. Jefferson influenced Adams to make decisions opposing his own party's beliefs. Even though Congress held a Federalist majority and passed his proposals, many members of Congress did not approve of Adams' stand against war with France.
Actions both positive and negative of the Administration
The Convention of Paris peace treaty was the most positive event of John Adams' presidency. This treaty improved the greatly needed relationship between France and the United States. This established a more solid economic trading sitiuation for both nations. Adams signed into law the Aliens and Sedition Acts. This proved to be the worse political decision by his adminstration. These acts limited immigraton and freedom of speech. Thomas Jefferson said that these Acts violated the First Amendment and was unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment.
Affect of the action made by the Administration
The Aliens and Sediton Acts passed by the Adams adminstration were the most controversial. These acts were unconstitiutional according to the amendments. Adminstrations need to pass laws that strictly follow the guidlines of the Constitution of the United States and not pass laws that benefit their political beliefs. The next adminstration under Thomas Jefferson repealed these acts of the Adams administration. This was one of Jefferson's first actions as President.
Conclusion
As the second President of the United States of America, John Adams was placed in the difficult position of following the adminstration of George Washington. Adams did his best as President. He had the best intentions for the newly created nation. He kept the United States out of an ill-needed war against France. Even though Adams' administration made some negative decisions during their only term of office, the country benefited from his Presidency.
Name: John Adams
Birth: October 30, 1735
Death: July 4, 1826
Term: March 4, 1797 to March 3, 1801
Party: Federalist
Vice President: Thomas Jefferson
Thesis B-
As the second President of the United States, John Adams deserves a rating of B-. In his term of office, he accomplished his goal of improving the relationship between the United States and France. He did so by avoiding war; which seemed inevitable at the time. Also the peace treaty, Convention of Paris, put the two nations in a great position to be suitable trading partners. Adams and his Federalist party, believed in military strength. Adams built up every aspect of the military. This took a toll on the nation's treasury, so he imposed a stamp and house tax. This unfavorable tax lead to the Fries Rebellion. The passing into law of the Alien and Sedition Acts were not well accepted by the public. Although he had some controversial policies, Adams accomplished his goals which were beneficial to the growth of the United States.
Goals
The goals for his administration. President Adams wanted to improve and strengthen the relationship of the United States and France. The French government felt that the United States might join forces and with England or support England. Adams wanted to continue President Washington's policy of the United States not interfering with French-British affairs. Another goal for his adminstration was the strengthening of the military. Adams commissioned six new ships to be built for the navy's fleet. Also, the United States army increased its numbers.
Relationship to Congress
President John Adams viewed the Congress and Senate as being corrupted. He felt that the executive branch of government should have the most power. Because he believed the legislative branch to be corrupt, Adams did not work with this branch as closely as he should have. President Adams made more decisions independantly. When Adams took his office, he kept most of Washington's cabinet and adminstration. These cabinet members did not favor the beliefs of the President and opposed him many times. Jefferson, his vice-president, was a Democratic-Republican and not a Federalist like Adams. Jefferson influenced Adams to make decisions opposing his own party's beliefs. Even though Congress held a Federalist majority and passed his proposals, many members of Congress did not approve of Adams' stand against war with France.
Actions both positive and negative of the Administration
The Convention of Paris peace treaty was the most positive event of John Adams' presidency. This treaty improved the greatly needed relationship between France and the United States. This established a more solid economic trading sitiuation for both nations. Adams signed into law the Aliens and Sedition Acts. This proved to be the worse political decision by his adminstration. These acts limited immigraton and freedom of speech. Thomas Jefferson said that these Acts violated the First Amendment and was unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment.
Affect of the action made by the Administration
The Aliens and Sediton Acts passed by the Adams adminstration were the most controversial. These acts were unconstitiutional according to the amendments. Adminstrations need to pass laws that strictly follow the guidlines of the Constitution of the United States and not pass laws that benefit their political beliefs. The next adminstration under Thomas Jefferson repealed these acts of the Adams administration. This was one of Jefferson's first actions as President.
Conclusion
As the second President of the United States of America, John Adams was placed in the difficult position of following the adminstration of George Washington. Adams did his best as President. He had the best intentions for the newly created nation. He kept the United States out of an ill-needed war against France. Even though Adams' administration made some negative decisions during their only term of office, the country benefited from his Presidency.
Bibliography
http://americanhistory.about.com/od/johnadams/tp/johnadams_top10.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_and_Sedition_Acts
http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/adams
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Thomas_Jefferson.htm